In the 1850s, a handful of settlers – less than 200 – called the area that is now Jefferson County, Colorado home. But when gold was discovered in the Rocky Mountains, that all changed and two years later, nearly 35,000 people had arrived. The county was formed nearly a decade later in 1861. Often called the gateway to the Rockies, this beautiful area has inspired legends, poets, and songwriters.
Jeffco is located along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains west of Denver. It is part of the Denver metro area and is one of the most densely populated counties in Colorado. It borders 10 other counties, including Boulder County and Arapahoe County.
Part of Chatfield State Park is located in Jeffco. This park contains nearly 4,000 acres and the beautiful Chatfield Reservoir, a stunningly beautiful location for boating, canoeing, sailing, water-skiing, and fishing. There are hiking trails, four campgrounds, an off-leash dog park, and a swimming beach. Other popular activities in Chatfield include hot-air ballooning, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and model airplane flying.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park consists of 11,998 acres and 36 miles of hiking trails, most allowing horseback riding and bicycling, as well. The park also contains a campground and picnic areas. With its areas of forest, open meadows, and mountain peaks, this park is popular for horseback riding, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snow-shoeing. It is also popular for rock climbing, fishing, ice skating, snowtubing, sledding, and snowshoeing.
Jeffco’s county seat is Golden. Golden is home to the Colorado School of Mines, the oldest public university in Colorado. It was founded in 1873 and is a public research university focused on engineering and applied science. The university operates the prestigious Colorado School of Mine Geology Museum, which contains fossils, meteorites, minerals, gemstones, and mining artifacts. Other museums in Golden include the Colorado Railroad Museum, the Astor House Hotel Museum, Clear Creek History Park, the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, and the Golden History Center.
Other cities in Jeffco include the largest city of Lakewood, Edgewater, Evergreen, and Wheat Ridge. Towns include Lakeside, Mountain View, Morrison, and Bow Mar. Other communities include Columbine, Aspen Park, Genesee, Applewood, and Indian Hills.
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